For one 16-year-old boy, the Pope's visit to Israel will be a real dream come true: Mark Rock, a Christian Arab teenager from East Jerusalem, who suffers from a serious chronic illness, recently approached the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau, and asked him to help him fulfill his wish: to meet the Pope.
The Chief Rabbi said toIsrael Today, Because as soon as the sick child's request was received in his office, it was clear that it would be granted: "The Pope's entire visit to the country is for the purpose of strengthening ties between religions, creating a dialogue of peace and brotherhood between peoples, and there is no more beautiful way to show this than when a small child feels that he can ask for this wish from the head of Israel. I intend to invite him to come with me to the official reception that will be held for the Pope, and I hope that we will also have the opportunity for the Pope and the child to meet.".
The rabbi added: "When you see such a lovely child, who is treated by a dedicated team that does not distinguish whether he is Jewish or not and does what is possible to help him, there is no doubt that this is the greatest beauty that exists in the Jewish people, and it is appropriate that the Pope be exposed to this.".
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In addition to his serious illness, Mark suffers from arthritis and tendonitis and a lot of pain. His illnesses affect his body structure, so he looks much smaller than children his age. If that weren't enough, about two months ago Mark was seriously injured in an accident when an iron gate in a parking lot came loose and landed on him. Until recently, he was in a wheelchair, and these days he uses crutches. His relatives say that his mood is extremely depressed and that the only thing that can bring the color back to his cheeks is the Pope's blessing.
According to his mother, Mark believes that a blessing from the Pope and the fact that he will meet him and be close to him will help his recovery.
